Lebanon’s Hariri 'Most Likely' Not to Run in Elections

Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri chairs a meeting of al-Mustaqbal Movement (NNA)
Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri chairs a meeting of al-Mustaqbal Movement (NNA)
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Lebanon’s Hariri 'Most Likely' Not to Run in Elections

Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri chairs a meeting of al-Mustaqbal Movement (NNA)
Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri chairs a meeting of al-Mustaqbal Movement (NNA)

Lebanon’s former Prime Minister Saad Hariri has held meetings with members of his Mustaqbal Movement, and ex-PMs Fouad Siniora and Tammam Salam to discuss with them the latest political developments.

Hariri is expected to announce his decision regarding the upcoming parliamentary elections amid reports that he will “most likely” refrain from running as a candidate.

Hariri is expected to complete his consultations and meet with Speaker Nabih Berri soon.

A well-informed source revealed to Asharq Al-Awsat that the former PM does not intend to announce his candidacy or back the electoral lists of al-Mustaqbal.

He pointed out that Hariri is about to take his decision to abstain from interfering in the parliamentary elections or even backing independent candidates.

The source said that Hariri will also leave it to the current members of his parliamentary bloc and his Movement to decide whether to run in the elections or not, at their own risk.

Hariri’s announcement regarding the elections is crucial and can affect political alliances in the vote.



Erdogan Says Türkiye in Close Dialogue with Syria’s Sharaa

A handout photo made available by the Turkish Presidential press office shows Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arriving for the opening session of the Organization of Eight Developing Countries (D-8) summit in Cairo, Egypt, 19 December 2024. (EPA/ Turkish Presidential Press Office handout)
A handout photo made available by the Turkish Presidential press office shows Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arriving for the opening session of the Organization of Eight Developing Countries (D-8) summit in Cairo, Egypt, 19 December 2024. (EPA/ Turkish Presidential Press Office handout)
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Erdogan Says Türkiye in Close Dialogue with Syria’s Sharaa

A handout photo made available by the Turkish Presidential press office shows Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arriving for the opening session of the Organization of Eight Developing Countries (D-8) summit in Cairo, Egypt, 19 December 2024. (EPA/ Turkish Presidential Press Office handout)
A handout photo made available by the Turkish Presidential press office shows Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arriving for the opening session of the Organization of Eight Developing Countries (D-8) summit in Cairo, Egypt, 19 December 2024. (EPA/ Turkish Presidential Press Office handout)

Türkiye is in close dialogue with Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday, adding visits to Syria will increase from now on.

Speaking after a cabinet meeting in Ankara, Erdogan said Türkiye would provide the Syrian people with all the support they needed to consolidate their gains.

"In the future of Syria and our region, there is no place for any terrorist organization, including ISIS and the PKK," he said, adding Türkiye’s unwavering line is to protect Syria's territorial integrity and unity under all circumstances.